Kinross tavern patrons damage police van
A civilian was shot in the leg during the scuffle with the police, but no injuries were reported under the officers involved.
Some tavern patrons in Kinross went on a rampage and attacked two police officers for shutting down the tavern in the early morning hours today, January 26.
The two officers were on patrol in Ext 25 when they saw a tavern that was still open. Most tavern licences in Mpumalanga prohibit them from operating beyond midnight.
“They entered the establishment and spoke to the owner who co-operated well with them,” said a provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli.
“As the owner was busy closing the business and asking patrons to leave, the officers were informed that a man was vandalising their van outside.”
Mdhluli said that when the two cops went to apprehend the suspect, a scuffle broke out and the man attempted to grab one of the officers’ firearms. A group of other patrons joined in and attempted to disarm the SAPS members.
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The policemen managed to prevent them from obtaining their firearms and called for backup.
“During the scuffle, a firearm was discharged. One civilian was reportedly shot in the leg,” said Mdhluli.
He said no injuries were reported among the police members involved in the incident. “The van’s windscreen and some body panels were damaged, and the tyres were slashed,” said Mdhluli.
The circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation, while the Independent Police Investigative Directorate is conducting its own investigation regarding the shooting incident.
No arrests have been made thus far.
The acting provincial police commissioner, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, expressed concern over the patrons’ hostility and unruly behaviour.
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He said this incident came just a week after another police van was damaged in Thulamahashe under the Mhala policing precinct, affecting service delivery to that community.
“Major General Mkhwanazi urged the public to guard against anyone attempting to damage state resources, as they are vital for delivering services to the communities,” said Mdhluli.
